The Fast and the Furious franchise has been ongoing since 2001, and in that time its cast has grown considerably close. Arguably one of the strongest bonds existed between the film’s two leading actors: Vin Diesel and Paul Walker. Beyond the high-speed stunts, these two captured much of the emotional drama of the series, and their friendship was solidified beyond the bounds of a scripted narrative. In a poignant gesture, Diesel has named his newborn daughter Pauline, in honor of his late co-star.

Insiders call the F&F cast and crew the Fast and Furious family, and it’s a theme we see repeated throughout the series. Diesel has touched on the subject himself, stating, “...that sense of family that exists in the film actually bleeds off screen.”

Following the birth of his daughter, Diesel posted a picture of himself with the newborn, pairing it with a quote from Louis Armstrong’s ‘What a Wonderful World’: “I hear babies crying/ I watch them grow/ They’ll learn much more/ Than I’ll ever know/ And I think to myself/ What a wonderful world…”

Continue reading to learn more about the Fast and Furious franchise.

Why it matters

Diesel has already stated there will be a F&F 8, supposedly taking place in New York. Walker’s two brothers, Caleb and Cody, stepped up to help finish the incomplete scenes after his tragic death, but it's unknown how the series will fare without him. It’s a question that isn’t easily answered, and although shooting the next installment will be difficult without Walker on set, the show, as they say, must go on. Look for Fast and Furious 8 to release April 14, 2017. Rumor has it Cody Walker and Eva Mendes may make a return.

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